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16 September 2011

This week we are learning WOW words, to learn them and to use them in the correct context.

Children will be tested in class on Friday 23 September and will be given points for using them correctly in written work and verbally in class.

Here are the WOW words (they’re all adverbs, to describe actions) for all children to learn how to spell and how to use in context:

• aggressively
• cautiously
• stealthily
• destructively
• painstakingly
• fearlessly
• intensely
• delicately
• effortlessly
• noiselessly

Hello from Mrs Hazell

Hello there and welcome to Year Six’s Class News, 2011-12.

It’s been an excellent start to the year with everyone showing a positive attitude to their learning. The children are already focused and committed to being the best they possibly can.

Here’s just a few reminders and some information to start the year off:

Reading

I read with every child in a small group once a week. Other staff in the class may read with them too, but it’s really important that children read at home as well. It doesn’t have to be story books – factual books, newspapers (children’s ones are available if you look), comics, magazines or websites are all good, too. This year, we’re going to be concentrating on understanding the meaning behind the words authors use and why characters behave and react as they do. You can help your child by asking questions about characters’ plots and settings rather than simply hearing them read.

Homework

Homework is due nearly every week, just like the rest of the school. It’s given out on Fridays and is due on Wednesdays. This gives children three evenings and two whole weekend days to do the homework, which should be plenty of time. At Moortown, we expect each piece of homework to take around 30 mins – 1 hour. This could be done in three 15 minute sessions or one long fun session. One of the Year 6 team will mark the homework and feedback to the children their stars (things they have done well) and their steps (things that need a little more work). This will either be done verbally or in writing.

Spellings

Spellings are given out on Fridays and tested the following Friday. Children should practise them by whatever works for them, but I recommend the tried and tested method: READ IT> COVER IT > WRITE IT > CHECK IT.

Times Tables

Each week children are asked to practise their times tables. By Year 4, children should know their tables, so by Year 6, they should be really quick and accurate with all tables (and division facts) up to their 10s. If your child isn’t up to speed, I can’t stress enough how important it is for them to spend more time practising. Children’s ability with number affects loads of their maths and times tables is a vital part of that. 5 – 10 minutes every day is perfect. Don’t forget division facts too.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to pop in and see me.

16 September 2011

Homework is due every week. It is given out on Fridays and is due on Wednesdays. This gives children enough time to do the homework.

We will be holding a ‘Learning Session’ for parents in the next few weeks, where we will explain the homework in more detail and show some examples.

This week’s homework is creative and is due on Wednesday 21 September.

I can show something interesting about myself.

Here are some ideas for what might be creative:

• poster
• labelled diagrams
• photographs
• models
• drawings
• writing some sentences
• your child’s own idea

16 September 2011

Spelling is an integral part of the writing process. Pupils who spell with ease are able to concentrate on the content of their writing. With this in mind, we carry on with the Letters and Sounds programme on a daily basis in Year 1.

Spelling lists will be given out on a Friday and will be linked to the sounds being taught that week or a list of frequently used words. Sometimes, the list will link to the class topic.

This week’s list includes words that the children will need in their day to day writing.

Practise learning the words in preparation for Friday 23 Septenber .

Hint: practice little and often works best!

16 September 2011

This week’s homework is talk time and linked to your mini-topic – Electricity! We want to know how much you use it at home. Inside your homework book you will find a sheet (fittingly titled “Electricity”) where you are going to log which appliances you use over the weekend that requires electricity. In addition, you are going to log how much you use. We will discuss your findings in next week’s lessons.

16 September 2011

Spelling Rule:

This week’s spellings are verbs which all have an ‘ing’ at the end.

The main focus of the learning is to ensure your child understands the rule. It’s up to your child which list they decide to learn. However, it is important they give themselves an appropriate challenge and don’t attempt a list which is neither too easy nor too difficult.

Can you come up with any more spellings that follow the rule?

General information

PE will be on Thursdays and Fridays. Please ensure PE kits with outdoor trainers and pumps are in school on these days (or have them in on Monday and take them home on Friday every week!).

Show and Tell will be on Thursdays. Four children will be chosen each week to bring in something such as a certificate, a medal or a souviner. The focus will be on children’s speaking and listening skills. Encourage your child to prepare at home first by thinking about who, what, why, where and when (our five Ws).

16 September 2011

This week’s homework is creative. It’s due in on Wednesday 21 September.

I can show something interesting about myself.

16 September 2011

This week’s spellings are high frequency words. The children will be tested on these spellings on Friday 23 September.

Write away!

Did you know we have two published authors in our school community?

Year 3 parent, Emma Barnes, has a new book out for children called How (Not) to Make Bad Children Good. Aimed at 7-10s, it’s the story of naughty child, Martha, who is so bad that an Interstellar Agent, Fred, is sent to Earth to try and sort her out.  Emma will be appearing at Waterstones on Saturday 24 September.

We’re all very proud that Carolyn Hazell, our Year 6 teacher, is also a published author.  Her book, Pav the Plumber Saves the Day, is popular amongst our children, and a great resource in school to promote reading and writing.  Our current Year 6 pupils are being inspired to write great character descriptions, and a former pupil described Miss Hazell as ‘inspiring’ as a teacher and writer.